Faced with a massive wine list at a fine restaurant, many people feel anxious. However, you don’t need to be an expert to order the perfect bottle. Just share these three details with the sommelier.

The 3 Key Details to Share

1. Show the Budget Tactfully

To avoid awkwardness in front of guests, open the wine list, point to a specific price (e.g., $60), and tell the sommelier, “I’m looking for something in this price range.” They will completely understand.

2. Describe Flavors in Simple Terms

No fancy vocabulary needed. Plain terms like “crisp and clean,” “bold but smooth,” or “juicy and fruity” are perfect.

3. Indicate What Food You Ordered

“We are ordering the grilled lamb chops” or “We plan to focus on seafood starters” allows the sommelier to cross-reference flavor profiles.